Ruby’s Inn — a historic hotel and resort located just outside Bryce Canyon National Park — received the 2018 Garfield County of the Year award as part of the Businesses of the Year award administered by the Governor's Office of Economic Development.

“Ruby’s Inn is not only a great business for Garfield County, but also for the state of Utah,” said Jerry Taylor, Garfield County commissioner. “Ruby’s Inn has an immense business model that focuses on families and building the community. We appreciate all that Ruby’s Inn and the Syrett family do.”

Ruby’s Inn received this award for its growth, the employment it offers and the service it renders the county. Ruby’s Inn stays open year round and employs over 600 people during peak season. The hotel also donates and provides support to the schools and the communities of Garfield County.

“We appreciate being recognized for our contribution to the rural community and economy,” said Lance Syrett, general manager at Ruby’s Inn. “Receiving this award means a lot not only to the company of Ruby’s Inn, but also to the Syrett family. We had four generations of the Syrett family at Utah’s State Capitol to receive this award.”

Parowan Area Interfaith sponsoring Easter program

Parowan Area Interfaith is sponsoring an Interfaith Easter Morning Program for the community April 1 at 7 a.m. at the Parowan LDS Stake Center, 100 S. Main St. The early morning program capitalizes on the rising sun, which filters through the east stained-glass windows.

Over the past 17 years the Easter program has moved locations and taken on different structures from elaborate dramatizations to more simple services involving singing and a scriptural message. There is something special and unique found in Parowan, where differences are often set aside to celebrate Easter.

The Easter program will include a variety of musical numbers and a scriptural passage read by Rev. JeriLee Harrell-Leeper, United Methodist. Parowan area’s three faiths, United Methodists, Grace Christian, and Latter-day Saints unite to build a greater unity through support and service. The public is invited to attend.

Spring art show to feature works by Alzheimers patients

The Southern Utah Art Guild's Spring Art Show will run from March 9 - 31 in the Red Cliff Gallery. The show theme is “Spring Fling.”

The show will feature approximately 100 works of art from approximately 40 Southern Utah Artists. The show will feature contemporary art from all mediums including all forms of painting and mixed media, photography, pottery, sculpture and more. The show will be blend of small and large pieces. All the art will be for sale.

The show will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

There will be an artist reception and award ceremony on Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. The public is invited to view the art, meet the artists and enjoy light refreshments.

A special feature of the show will an exhibit of art by Alzheimers patients from several of the local assistance living centers in St. George. The sponsoring organization is Memory Matters Utah, formerly the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Society Utah, a non-prophet organization, serving individuals with dementia and their caregivers.

The exhibited art is a part of the “Fun Art” activity. Research has shown that Alzheimer’s disease does not affect the creative brain cells in an individual. If a patient can do anything creative they feel more successful, and consequently they are happier, more relaxed and satisfied with themselves.

The Memory Matters exhibit will have more than 25 pieces of art on display. Additionally the artist’s bio and picture will hang next to their art. The Memory Matters group will supply refreshments from 2 to 8 p.m.. Representatives will be available to talk about their program and the art.

The Red Cliff Gallery is located in the St. George City Commons Building, 220 N. 200 East, St. George.

The Southern Utah Art Guild is an organization whose mission is to promote the visual arts and artists in Southern Utah.